title: Adherence to ustekinumab in psoriasis patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adherence to the treatment of psoriasis is poor and effects treatment outcomes. Literature on adherence to biologic therapy for the treatment of psoriasis is limited and difficult to measure. However, ustekinumab, which until recently was only approved to be administered in office, offers an opportunity to assess adherence through chart review.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to determine adherence rates and reasons for nonadherence to ustekinumab in the treatment of psoriasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a single center, retrospective study involving a chart review of patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis and administration of ustekinumab seen at one clinic between October 1, 2009 and June 1, 2013. We assessed the number of injections administered, the time between injections, and reasons for nonadherence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  45 patients received ustekinumab for the treatment of psoriasis. The median time between doses of ustekinumab (n=164) was 13 weeks (91 days, interquartile range 89, 98). For patients that received at least 3 doses of ustekinumab, overall median adherence was 100% (IQR 66.7, 100). The median adherence to the 45 mg dose (n=26) was 100% (IQR 75, 100) and to the 90 mg dose (n=18) was 80% (IQR 60, 100; P=0.11).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Only limited information was found on reasons for nonadherence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adherence to ustekinumab in psoriasis patients appears to be higher than reported adherence rates to topical therapies and treatment with self-administered biologics. Many factors may contribute to the greater adherence.
authors.forename: Laura F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Sandoval
authors.forename: Karen E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Steven R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Feldman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069549:Ustekinumab
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000069549:Ustekinumab